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ROYAL OAK, MI PERMIT NO. 404

HouseCaLLHouseCaLLb r i n g i n g b e a u m o n t e x p e r t i s e i n t o y o u r h o m e • s u m m e r 2 0 0 8

[PLUS+]

Your guide to safe summer fun

BEAT THE HEAT

GET DOWN AND DIRTY

With a little prep, gardening brings great health rewards

Summer grilling and tips to keep safe grillsideKnowing signs of a heart attack

In These Pages V o l u m e 2 • I s s u e 2

Departments:

3 WarningSigns ToKnowByHeart

4 Top10waystoburn caloriesthrough everydayactivities

11 HealthShorts

e-mail your thoughts about this newsletter to House.Call@beaumonthospitals.com

BringingBeaumonTexperTiSe inToyourHome Summer2008

HouseCaLL10

Beaumont joins national network of children’s hospitals

The National Association of Children’s Hospitals and Related Institutions has accepted Beaumont as an associate member. Beaumont joins NACHRI as a hospital that offers a full range of children’s specialty services in a non-freestanding location inside a general hospital complex.

“The NACHRI children’s hospital membership recognizes Beaumont’s specialized services, facilities and expertise devel-oped over the past several years and its growing role as a regional resource for children’s medical care,” says Jeffrey Maisels, M.D., chief of Pediatric Services at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak.

Help your child get a head start with summer tutoring

School may be out for the sum-mer, but that’s no reason to let your child’s academic progress slip away. “Research shows that academic tutoring during the summer can strengthen a student’s skills and bet-ter prepare him for a successful school year,” says John Frauenheim, Ph.D., associate director at Beaumont’s Center for Human Development, which provides services for children with behavioral and/or physical problems affecting development.

A summer program can help your child stay focused, while getting individu-alized instruction.

For more information about remedial education programs or summer tutoring, call the Center for Human Development at 248-691-4764 or visit www.beaumonthospitals.com/chd.

New CPR method could save livesFewer than one-third of adults who have a sudden cardiac arrest outside the hospital get lifesaving cardiopulmonary resuscitation from a bystander, according to the American Heart Association.

Whether it’s a fear of making the situation worse or contracting a disease, new guidelines for performing CPR may help encourage bystanders to take action.

The new AHA guidelines call for 100 chest compressions every minute. The “hands-only” CPR has proven to be just as effective as traditional CPR, which includes mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.

WHenTouSeiT?If you see an adult suddenly collapse with abnormal breathing and no pulse.

WHaTTodo:• Call 9-1-1• Push hard and fast in the center of the chest for 100 beats a minute.

HoWiTWorKS:• Cardiac arrest happens when the heart stops pump-

ing blood because of a disordered and unsynchronized rhythm.

• Chest compressions squeeze blood in and out of the heart muscle, allowing blood to circulate throughout the body.

Learnmore:• Visit www.americanheart.org/handsonlycpr• Take a class — Call Beaumont’s Physician Referral

Service toll-free, 1-800-633-7377, for a class near you.

Let us know what you think!

We want your feedback and opin-ions on this publication. Do you find the stories interesting? Have you learned something new that you can use to improve your health? What would you like more of? Less of?

Let us know by taking a moment to send an e-mail (house.call@beau-monthospitals.com) or call 248-551-1073.

If you or a friend would like to receive an electronic copy of House Call every quarter, let us know — we’d be happy to send each new issue to your inbox instead of your mailbox.

Did you know:

Beaumonthasmorethan227board-certifiedgeneral

pediatricians,83pediatricmedicalandsurgicalspecial-

ists,sevenfellowship-trainedpediatricanesthesiologists

and40pediatricormedicine-pediatricresidentsintrain-

ing.

ForareferraltoaBeaumontpediatriciannearyou,

callBeaumont’sphysicianreferralServicetoll-free,

1-800-633-7377.

DiD you know:

Beaumontisactively

involvedinimproving

theeffectivenessof

cardiopulmonary

resuscitationthrough

researchonnewdevices

andtechniques.

Features:

5 Get Down And Dirty With a little prep, gardening brings great health rewards

6 Summer Grilling A fabulous feast from the grill, plus safety tips to keep you from getting burned

8 Beat The Heat Everything you'll need to know for you and your family on what to do for those summer mishaps

Taking Healing To New Depths Hyperbaric oxygen therapy gives the body’s healing process a boost

H o u S e c a L L [ P A G E 2 ] S u m m e r 2 0 0 8

[ trends ]

h o u s e c a l l [ P A G E 3 ] W W W . B e a u M o N T h o s P I T a l s . c o M

Fewer than two in 10 people know the symptoms of a heart attack and what to do if they suspect they are

having one, according to a survey earlier this year by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Because heart attacks cause one in five deaths, knowing the signs and symptoms can be a lifesaver. As important: Knowing what to do if you suspect you or someone else is having a heart attack.

According to the CDC, deaths from heart attacks would decrease if people received medical assis-tance more quickly. “It’s impera-tive that you call 9-1-1 if you suspect someone may be having a heart attack,” says Douglas Westveer, M.D., chief of Cardiology at Beaumont Hospital, Troy. “Driving yourself to the nearest emergency center, or having someone drive you, could be delaying lifesaving treatment.”

Avoid a heart attackThere are two primary risks for heart attacks: inherited factors (family history, inherited high blood pressure or cholesterol, etc.) and acquired factors, which are risk factors caused by your activities or chosen lifestyle.

Manage your risk for a heart attack:

• consult your physician soon to determine if you have risk fac-tors that are genetic or inher-ited and cannot be changed, but can be managed medically and through lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, los-ing weight or eating healthier

• become aware of conditions like high blood pressure or abnormal cholesterol levels, which may be "silent killers"

To identify your risks for a heart attack, consult your physician. To get a referral to a Beaumont phy-sician, call Beaumont’s Physician Referral Service toll-free, 1-800-633-7377.

The new Heart and Vascular Wellness Screening at Beaumont Hospital can also help iden-tify your risk for cardiovascu-lar disease, and recommend a course of action to help improve heart and vascular health. The seven tests cost $70. To sched-ule an appointment at a loca-tion near you, call Beaumont’s Appointment Center, toll-free at 1-800-328-8542.

Warning Signs To Kntw By HeartDon’t become a statistic: Know the signs of a heart attack and how to respond

Signs to know by heart • pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck or back• feeling weak, lightheaded or faint• chest pain or discomfort• pain or discomfort in the arms, shoulder or

between the shoulder blades• shortness of breath

If you have some, or all, of these symptoms, call 9-1-1 immediately.

For women, the symptoms of heart disease can also include:• indigestion or nausea• profound and sudden weakness and fatigue• constricting sensation in your throat

For more information about women and heart disease, call Beaumont’s Ministrelli Women’s heart center at 248-898-4760. The center provides a full range of diagnostic and educational programs and services to identify a woman’s individual risk for heart disease.

Find out more today — take an online heart risk assessment at www.beaumonthospitals.com/ cardiology-heart-health-assessment

Douglas Westveer, M.D.,

chief of Cardiology

at Beaumont Hospital,

Troy

V o l u m e 2 • I s s u e 2

[ trends ]

Go back to the old ways take an opportunity to enjoy routine tasks — use a hand mower instead of a gas mower or wash the car yourself. also, do housework yourself instead of hiring it out; just spending 2½ hours on housework can burn 500 calories.

exercise your Green thumb cleaning up around the yard is a great way to burn some extra calories. Gardening for a half hour adds up to 150 calories, and raking leaves for an hour burns 210 calories.

be a sport about it you don’t have to be a sports fanatic to benefit from outdoor physical activities. biking around the neighborhood for 90 minutes burns 500 calories, playing tennis for an hour can burn 380 calories and golfing (while carrying your own clubs) for an hour burns 350 calories.

talk with the animals you’re not the only one who wants to get out and enjoy the nice weather. the ani-mals are stirring at the detroit Zoo, one of the nation’s oldest and most stately zoos. it’s a lot of fun, and offers excellent opportunities for exercise — a leisurely walk around the zoo for 90 minutes can burn up to 500 calories.

walk it off with it staying lighter longer, try scheduling a 30-minute walk after dinner with friends or neighbors. it’s a great way to decompress from the day, connect with friends and get some exercise in your day. make it a family affair and ask the kids to come along — it’s an easy way to catch up with what’s going on in their days while encouraging them to be more active.

tackle your rainy day projects if the weather’s not cooperating, get your fitness indoors. home improvement tasks can burn calories too — an hour of indoor painting can burn 200 calories.

make it a family affairexperts agree that the best way to get your children involved in fitness and exercise is to make it a regular part of your family life. establish rituals that involve exercise, such as hiking or walking nature trails at your local park on the weekends. try a new physical activity each month, such as in-line skating, shooting hoops or bicycling. it’s so much fun for the kids that they won’t even notice they’re exercising.

become a social butterfly find opportunities to meet new people with social activities — join a walking club, take tennis or golf lessons, or sign up for yoga, tai chi or water aerobics through your local community center. even dancing fast for 30 minutes can burn 150 calories.

work it out at work look for opportunities to get in physical activity right at your workplace. whether it’s parking in the farthest spot in the parking lot, taking the stairs instead of the elevator or taking a 10-minute walking break with your lunch, you can burn calories throughout the day, even in the office.

plan it set reasonable expectations and plan how you’re going to fit a few more minutes of activity in throughout your day.

Note: All calorie estimates are based on a 130- to 160-pound person.

Ways to burn calories through everyday activitieswhen it comes to exercise, you may not get excited at the

prospect of sweating it out at the gym. fortunately, there

are many ways to stay active every day and meet the surgeon

general’s recommendation for burning 150 calories a day

through physical activity.

10

hit the links!Get your physical activity in while helping a good cause: register for a charity golf outing to benefit programs and services at beaumont hospitals:

A Round for Life — july 14 at pine lake country club; raises funds for the wilson cancer resource center at beaumont hospital, troy. call the beaumont foundation, 248-964-8173.

Beaumont Children’s Miracle Classic — aug. 11 at birmingham country club; raises funds for a variety of programs, equipment and scholarships for pediatric patients. call beaumont’s children’s miracle network, 248-551-3636.

Annual MPURE Golf Classic — sept. 14 at twin lakes Golf club in oakland township; raises funds for research, education and training through beaumont’s ministrelli program for urology research. for more information, call 248-551-0803.

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[ GARDENING ]

h o u s e c a l l [ P A G E 5 ] w w w . b e a u m o n t h o s p i t a l s . c o m

With a little prep, gardening brings great health rewards

Get down and dirty

Tending to your garden can bring more than just beautiful colors throughout the summer. Gardening is a relaxing, meaningful activity and, done right, it can even help keep you healthy.

Before you head out to the garden and get your hands dirty, consider these precautions to ensure you reap the benefits of

what you sow.Dress for success. Make sure you protect yourself from the sun. To start,

wear clothing that is light-colored, light-weight and long-sleeved to protect from the sun, scratches and poison ivy, and top it off with a wide-brimmed hat to shield your face, ears and neck. And before you head out, remember to apply sunscreen that shields both UVA and UVB rays.

Stretch. Whether you’re hauling and spreading soil and mulch or bending and twisting while weeding, you’ll give all your major muscle groups a good workout while gardening. Head off any problems by taking a few minutes to stretch before you begin.

“Stretching out before you start increases the range of movement around your joints and minimizes the risk of injury,” says Michael Hubers, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon at Beaumont Hospital. “Just like any exercise, warm up and stretch first, then cool down at the end.”

Watch your back. Gardening can involve a lot of bending, lifting, pulling and twisting, which can put strain on your back.

When you’re down in the dirt tackling the weeds, instead of bending at the waist and put-ting undue stress on your back, consider:

· squatting with one knee on the ground instead of bending at the waist· switching knees every few minutes· kneeling on a foam cushion or using a gardening bench

And when you’re lifting shrubs or bags of garden waste, remember to use good lifting techniques:

· keep your back straight and bend at your knees· use your legs, not your back, to lift weight· don’t twist· use a wheelbarrow or ask for help

Practicing good posture while you’re gardening can help prevent soreness and pain the next day.

Take breaks. In addition to stopping for water to replenish your body, taking a break between tasks can help prevent strain.

Enjoy. Studies show that being in nature has a soothing effect on the mind and body. If you’re looking for stress reduction, relaxation, mental stimulation or a way to improve your mood, you just might find it with a dose of healthy gardening.

“Gardening can increase your flexibility and strengthen joints, but it has to be done thoughtfully and carefully”

— Michael Hubers, M.D.,

an orthopedic surgeon

at Beaumont Hospital.

Santa Maria Barbecued Flank Steak with Pili Pili Sauce

Ingredients:1½ to 2 pounds flank steak, trimmed1 tsp. chopped garlic ½ tsp. salt½ tsp. black pepper, coarsely ground

Preparation:• Preheat grill to 350 to 400 degrees.• Rub flank steak with garlic and season with the salt and pepper.• Place flank steak on grill and cook four minutes; turn counter clockwise to set grill marks and cook another four minutes. Turn and cook another six minutes. • Turn grill off and allow meat to sit on the grill five minutes, to set the juices.• Remove the meat from the grill and slice diagonally in 1/8-inch slices. Arrange on a platter and serve with Pili Pili sauce.

[ food ]

Nutritional Information:Yields 6 four-ounce servings225 calories12.5 gm fat1 gm carbohydrates27 gm proteins282 mg sodium

h o u s e c A l l [ P A G E 6 ] s u M M e R 2 0 0 8

Enjoy your summer with our savory recipes for the grill while keeping it safe using helpful tips for grilling

Summertime Grilling

Beaumont’s executive

chef Gordon Bowman

has made it his mission to

surprise and delight peo-

ple who expect boring

hospital food when they

go to Beaumont hospital

in Royal oak. he’s been

at Beaumont for 20 years,

overseeing more than 40

staff members who create

more than 10,000 deli-

cious entrees each day.

Pili Pili Sauce

Ingredients:6 chili peppers, ¼-inch diced1 clove garlic, finely chopped ½ cup diced onion6 oz. tomato paste3 Tbsp. red wine vinegar1 tsp. sugar¼ tsp. salt

Preparation:• combine all ingredients and mix until vegetables are coated with the tomato paste and vinegar.• cover with plastic wrap and allow to stand for an hour for the flavors to develop.

Nutritional InformationServing size: 1.5 oz28 calories0.1 gm fat6 gm carbohydrates1 gm proteins107 mg sodium

Chocolate Raspberry Pound CakeIngredients:¾ cup less-sugar raspberry preserves1 cup whole-wheat flour1 cup unbleached white flour1 cup granulated sugar½ cup splenda¾ cup baking cocoa1 ½ tsp. baking soda1 tsp. salt½ cup less-fat margarine (8 grams of fat or less per tablespoon), preferably with plant sterols added3 Tbsp. raspberry-flavored liqueur or fat-free half-and-half 16 oz. fat-free sour cream2 large eggs 1 ½ tsp. vanilla extractpowdered sugar (for dusting)

Preparation:• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. coat an angel food pan (tube pan) with canola cooking spray and dust lightly with flour. Place the raspberry preserves in a small microwave-safe bowl and heat on high for 15 seconds or until softened.• In a large mixing bowl, add whole-wheat and white flours, sugar, splenda, cocoa, baking soda and salt; beat on low to blend well.• stop mixer and add margarine, liqueur (or half-and-half), sour cream, eggs, vanilla and softened preserves. Beat on medium speed for two minutes, scraping sides of bowl after a minute.• Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until cake tester inserted in center comes out clean.• cool in pan for 10 minutes, then remove from pan and place on serving plate to cool completely.• When ready to serve, dust powdered sugar over the top. serve with fresh raspberries and a dollop of light whipped cream if desired.

The 4-1-1 on grillingNext time you fire up the grill, make sure you take steps to grill safely:

shoPPING• Purchase ground meat or poultry no more than a day

or two before you plan to grill it; otherwise, freeze it.• Refrigerate meat immediately when you get home

from the store.• Always store raw meat and poultry below other foods

to prevent cross-contamination from the drippings.

PRePARING youR food• completely thaw meat in the refrigerator, or just

before cooking thaw it in a microwave; frozen foods do not grill evenly and may not be safe. It’ll take about 24 hours to thaw five pounds of meat.

• Never defrost meat on the counter — bacteria will begin to grow.

• Marinate meat in the refrigerator.• for best results, make ground beef patties about

½-inch thick by four inches in diameter, using four ounces of meat; this helps ensure the patties cook thoroughly and evenly.

GRIllING• use a thermometer to tell if your food is cooked:

cook ground beef to 155 degrees and chicken to 170 degrees.

• When grilling with a sauce, brush it on the food while it’s cooking, but don’t use the same sauce after cook-ing if it has touched the raw meat.

• color isn’t a good indicator of doneness — sauces or spices may make the food look brown before it’s cooked through.

• use clean utensils and a clean plate for food after it is cooked.

[ food ]

h o u s e c A l l [ P A G E 7 ] WWW.BeAuMoNThosPITAls.coM

Nutritional Information:Yields 16 servings195 calories4 gm fat36 gm carbohydrates5 gm proteins311 mg sodium

Cucumber Salad with Fresh Roma TomatoesIngredients:2 medium-sized cucumbers, peeled, seeded and sliced2 tomatoes, cored and finely chopped¼ cup finely chopped red onion1 garlic clove, chopped1 Tbsp. fresh dill, chopped¼ cup distilled vinegar2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil1/8 tsp. salt½ tsp. black pepper

Preparation:Place all cut vegetables in a bowl and add the vinegar, olive oil, salt and pepper just before serving. Toss to mix seasonings.

Nutritional Information:Yields 4 to 6 servingsServing size: ¾ cup60 calories4.8 gm fat3 gm carbohydrates0.5 gm proteins55 mg sodium

chARcoAl GRIllING: A cANceR RIsk?According to the American cancer society, you may increase your cancer risk by eating too much grilled red meat or chicken cooked on a charcoal grill. Because it appears that well-done or charred meats may pose the greatest risk, the Acs suggests that you:

• don’t eat blackened or burnt meat• precook meats in the oven or microwave, then finish on the grill for

just a few minutes• substitute grilled vegetables or fruits for part of your meal• eat smaller portions of grilled meats

“While studies have shown that the carcinogens released while grilling may cause cancer in animals, it’s uncertain whether that amount is sufficient to increase the cancer risk in people,” says frank Vicini, M.d., chief of oncology services at Beaumont hospitals. “like many things in life, moderation is the key.”

Beat The HeatYour guide to safe summer fun

With warmer weather comes lots of outdoor fun: weekend barbecues, long days at the beach, after-

noons by the pool, biking and baseball. But spending too much time in the summer sun can cause

heat-related illnesses ranging from mild swelling of the ankles to life-threatening heat stroke. These

problems are easy to avoid if you know what can put you at risk.

H O U S E C A L L [ P A G E 8 ] S U M M E R 2 0 0 8

Don’t let bugs take a bite out of your summer funIn recent years, summer bugs have gone from annoying to dangerous — with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now reporting more than 20,000 cases of insect-related illnesses each year. Take steps to protect you and your family:

Use insect repellent

When choosing a repellent, look for the active ingredient that the product relies on to repel insects. The CDC recommends using a repellent that contains DEET Picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. These active ingredients have demonstrated a high degree of effectiveness and have no potential negative effects on people or the environment when used according to the label.

The more of an active ingredient in a product, the longer it will provide protection; however, the concentration of different active ingredients cannot be directly com-pared — 10 percent DEET is not the same as 10 percent Picaridin.

So what are you looking for? The type of product you buy should depend on the situation you’re in — are you going to be camping in the woods or just having dinner on the back patio? Studies show that products with a lower concentration of DEET are as effective as products with a higher concentration, but they remain active for a shorter period of time. For example, a 20-percent concentration of DEET will protect for approximately four hours, compared to 6-percent concentration, which will last approximately two hours.

Treat stings

Chances are that sometime this summer, you or someone you’re with will be stung by a bee, wasp or hornet. You can help with these quick treatment tips:• Calm the individual and let him know you can help.• Remove the stinger by gently scraping across the site with a blunt-edged object,

such as a credit card or dull (but clean) knife. Do not try to pull it out, as this may release more venom.

• Wash the area well with soap and water.• Apply a cold or ice pack wrapped in a cloth to help reduce swelling and pain 10

minutes on and 10 minutes off for 30 to 60 minutes.• If the sting occurs on an arm or leg, elevate the limb to help reduce swelling.• To help reduce the itching, use an over-the-counter product made for insect stings,

or apply a paste of baking soda and water or non-seasoned meat tenderizer and leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes.

• Use acetaminophen for pain.• Observe the individual closely for the next hour for any signs of allergic reaction

that would warrant emergency medical treatment.Be sure to watch for infection after the insect bite. “If you have persistent pain,

or see persistent swelling or redness around the insect bite, you should seek further medical attention,” advises Anthony Sayegh, D.O., a family medicine physician in the Beaumont Medical Center, Commerce Township.

WARNING:DEET, an active ingredient found in many insect repellents, can be used to protect exposed skin when you go outdoors. Just remember to use it wisely, especially with children:• For infants younger than 2 months, do not use any products that

contain DEET.• For children ages 2 months to 2 years, only use DEET (10-percent

concentration) if there is a high risk of complications from insect bites.

• For children ages 2 to 12, use 10-percent concentration level, and don’t apply more than three times a day.

Got a cold? Stay out of the heatIf you have an infection or are running a temperature, keep your fever under con-trol. “Keep in mind that some prescription and over-the-counter medications such as decongestants can increase your risk of heat-related illnesses,” says Anthony Sayegh, D.O., a family medicine physi-cian in the Beaumont Medical Center, Commerce Township. Ask your physician or pharmacist about any medications you may be taking.

Stay hydrated

Avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of water and other non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated fluids. “The best way to treat heat-related illnesses is to prevent them from happening in the first place,” says Dr. Sayegh. “Drink plenty of water and fluids, take frequent breaks and seek cooler, shaded areas when you’re outdoors in warmer weather.”

TIPS:Be coolStaying cool is the first rule in prevent-ing heat-related illness. Even if you don’t have air conditioning at home, try to find relief in other air-conditioned places. Research shows that spending as little as two hours a day in an air-conditioned mall during heat waves decreases the risk of heat stroke.

It’s not the heat, it’s the humidity

Heat stroke is more likely when both the temperature and the humidity are high. Most heat-related illnesses occur when the temperature has been over 90 degrees for two days with a relative humidity over 50 percent. The effect of humidity on the temperature is measured by the heat index; if the index is above 82 degrees, you should probably postpone strenuous exercise. If it’s above 90 degrees, don’t even consider exercising unless you’re an elite athlete.

H O U S E C A L L [ P A G E 9 ] www.bEAUMOnTHOSpiTALS.COM

Too hot to handle: What to look for

Edema

What to look for: swelling in the feet and ankles

What to do: elevate your legs and try wearing support hose

Heat cramps

What to look for: painful muscle spasms, a normal or slightly elevated temperature

What to do: take the person to a cool environ-ment, give sips of juice or pop diluted with water, gently massage sore muscles to relieve spasms, rest

Heat exhaustion

What to look for: faintness, physical exhaustion, nausea, moist or pale skin, fast and feeble pulse, normal or slightly elevated temperature

What to do: take the person to a cool environ-ment, loosen clothing, elevate feet and give the person cool water. If the person appears disoriented or confused, go to the nearest emergency center or call 9-1-1.

Heat stroke

What to look for: restlessness, confusion or, in extreme cases, unconsciousness; hot, dry or red skin; perspiration has stopped, pulse is fast and forceful, temperature may rise as high as 107 degrees

What to do: go to an emergency center or call 9-1-1. In the meantime, quickly get the person to the coolest place possible, remove clothing, sponge body with lukewarm water, fan the person vigorously, do not try to bring the body temperature down to normal but try to lower it two or three degrees

Medical emergency or mishapKnowing when to get the help you need

If the summer sun gets the best of you, or the kids have one of those inevitable summer mishaps, know where to seek the most appropriate medical care.

Emergency Care

While there are no hard and fast rules for what is a “true emergency,” the American College of Emergency Physicians encourages people to seek emergency care at the emergency center if they have:• difficulty breathing, shortness of breath • chest or upper abdominal pain or pressure • fainting, sudden dizziness, weakness • changes in vision • confusion or changes in mental status • any sudden or severe pain • uncontrolled bleeding • severe or persistent vomiting or diarrhea • coughing or vomiting blood • suicidal feelings • difficulty speaking • shortness of breath • unusual abdominal pain

Urgent Conditions

“It’s not always easy to determine when to go to your physician’s office, an urgent care center or a hospital emergency center,” says Anthony Sayegh, D.O., a Beaumont family medicine physician in Commerce Township. Some urgent conditions that can be treated by your family physician include: • earaches• minor cuts where bleeding is controlled• sprains and other strains of muscles and joints• rashes and minor swelling• colds, coughs and sore throat• most fevers (if there are convulsions or extreme fever in

children, go to the emergency center)• treatment of minor burns

After-Hours Clinics

If you have a medical condition that’s causing you discomfort and you can’t wait until your doctor’s office opens, an after hours-clinic may be a good option if you have:• cough, cold or sore throat• fever or flu-like symptoms• earache• rash, skin irritations• mild asthma• stomachache• onset of back pain• possible infection

Beaumont Hospitals offers several options for after-hours care:

Adult After Hours Clinic at Beaumont Hospital, Royal OakLocated in the Medical Office BuildingMonday through Friday — 5 to 9 p.m.Weekends and holidays — 1 to 6 p.m.

Pediatric After-Hours clinicsBeaumont Hospital, Royal Oak; located in the Medical Office BuildingMonday through Friday — 6:30 to 10 p.m.Weekends and holidays — 1 to 10:30 p.m.

Beaumont Hospital, Troy; located on the first floor in Area DMonday through Friday — 6:30 to 10 p.m.Weekends and holidays — 2:30 to 10 p.m.

NOTE:if you’re not sure if your illness or injury is an emergency, calling your primary care physician is a good first step. if you need a physician, call beaumont’s physician Referral Service toll-free, 1-800-633-7377.

if you seek care at an emergency center or urgent care center, be sure to follow up with your physician. “Some conditions need further evaluation and treatment,” says Dr. Sayegh.

h o u s e c a l l [ P A G E 1 0 ] s u M M e R 2 0 0 8

“The human body has a miraculous ability to heal. Certain medical conditions

can interfere with this process by limiting oxygen

levels to various tissues, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy

can remedy that.”

— Farris Gulli, M.D., medical director of Hyperbaric

Medicine at Beaumont Hospitals

[ INNOVATIONS ]

Taking healing to new depthsHyperbaric oxygen therapy gives the body’s healing process a boost

From the outside, it looks like something from 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. Inside, it’s more like a living room, with people relaxing, socializing, reading and watching television.

It’s one of the largest multi-patient hyperbaric oxygen therapy chambers in the state, located at the Beaumont Health Center in Royal Oak. During the treatment, patients breathe 100 percent oxy-gen under increased atmospheric pressure, increasing the oxygen levels in their bloodstream 12 to 15 times and assisting the body’s natural healing process.

hyperbaric oxygen Therapy has proven effective in healing diabetic ulcers, wounds that

fail to heal after radiation therapy, failing grafts or flaps and recurring bone infections.

For more information about hyperbaric oxygen therapy at Beaumont hospitals, call 248-

655-3147 or visit www.beaumonthospitals.com/hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy.

For details on wound care services available in Royal oak, Macomb Township and st. clair

shores, visit www.beaumonthospitals.com/woundcare.

HealthShortsSecond Opinion

Q. I’ve heard that I should be exposed to the sun to get more vitamin D, but this conflicts with warnings to stay out of the sun to avoid skin cancer. Should I spend more time in the sun?

A. “Most people get enough sun to prevent any deficien-cies,” says Dana Kerges, M.D., a Beaumont family medicine physician in Warren. “It only takes about 10 minutes of sunlight a day to create a sufficient amount of Vitamin D. and increasing the amount of time you spend in the sun increases your risk of skin cancer.”

Why the misconception? When your skin is exposed to the ultraviolet rays of the sun, it produces vitamin D, an essential vitamin important in building strong bones and possibly preventing cancers of the colon, breast, lung and prostate.

some say that concerns about skin cancer have scared people out of the sun, result-ing in less exposure. “There’s no question of the link between sun exposure and skin cancer,” says Dr. Kerges. “leaving your skin unprotect-ed, even for a short while, can create long-term, permanent damage, as well as contrib-ute to wrinkles, brown spots, leathering and sagging.”

The best option? “cover up with sunscreen and find other sources of vitamin D,” says Dr. Kerges. “There are other ways to make sure you have a sufficient amount of this vitamin to stay healthy, including drinking fortified milk or orange juice, eating cheese, yogurt and fatty fish such as salmon, or taking a daily multivitamin that con-tains vitamin D.”

Dana Kerges, M.D., is a family

medicine physician in Warren. To

find a Beaumont doctor near you,

call Beaumont’s Physician Referral

Service toll-free, 1-800-633-7377.

When you’re out and about under the hot summer sun, it’s important to keep one thing in clear view: protecting your eyes from ultraviolet rays.

Overexposure to these harmful rays can burn your eye’s retina. “The longer you’re exposed, the greater the risk for permanent damage,” says Robert Granadier, M.D., an ophthalmologist and clinic director of the Beaumont Eye Institute. “Exposing your eyes to ultraviolet rays can cause headaches or distorted vision and can even contribute to the development of various eye dis-eases, such as cataracts and macular degeneration.”

To protect your eyes, get some good sunglasses. “Based on a number of scientific studies, we recommend that you wear 99 percent and above UV-absorbent sunglasses whenever you’re in the sun,” says Dr. Granadier. “Sunglasses are also important for protecting the delicate skin around the eyes and lids, to prevent sun damage and potential skin cancers.”

What to look for in sunglassesLabels — Look for markings or labels on the sunglasses that indicate the lenses block 99 percent of ultraviolet radiation.

Quality — The American Academy of Ophthalmology recom-mends that you judge the quality of lenses by looking at some-thing with a rectangular pattern, such as a floor tile. Hold the glasses a comfortable distance and cover one eye. Move the glasses from side to side, then up and down. If the lines stay straight, the lenses are fine. If the lines wiggle, try another pair.

So Many Options Knowing what type of lens you’re getting, and what protection it provides is critical.

Blue-blocking — these lenses also block red and amber light, making it difficult to tell traffic light colors apart.

Mirror-coated —They reduce the amount of light entering your eyes, but don’t assume they’ll fully protect you from UV radia-tion unless they’re labeled.

Photochromic — These lenses automatically darken in bright light and become lighter in low light. They’re good at block-ing UV rays, but they may take time to adjust to different light conditions.

Polarized — While they protect against glare, polarized lenses don’t fully protect against UV exposure unless they have addi-tional blocking materials added to the lens. Check the label to make sure the lenses provide the maximum UV protection.

Polycarbonate — Although no lens is truly unbreakable, poly-carbonate plastic is especially tough; just make sure you get lenses with scratch-resistant coating.

Before you load up and head out, be sure to put together a traveling medical kit:

• acetaminophen, ibuprofen and aspirin to relieve headaches, pain, fever and simple sprains or strains

• antibiotic ointment to prevent infection in cuts, scrapes and burns

• anti-diarrheal medication• antihistamines to relieve allergies and inflammation• antiseptic wipes to disinfect wounds or clean hands• bandages of assorted sizes• butterflies (adhesive strips) to hold wounds or cuts

together• calamine lotion to relieve itching and irritation from insect

bites and poison ivy• cold packs to cool injuries and burns, and for strains and

sprains• disposable rubber gloves• eye irrigation solutions• gauze, adhesive tape and rounded scissors

• hydrocortisone cream to relieve irritation from rashes

• hydrogen peroxide to clean and disinfect wounds

• thermometer• tweezers

Remember:• follow the same precautions with medicines in your first-

aid kit as you would with medications at home: only use them as recommended, keep them out of a child’s reach and check all expiration dates.

• If you have a complex medical problem, get a summary of your medical record and have your doctor’s name and phone number readily available.

• If you have allergies to medications, carry a list in your wallet.

Stepping out in style, safely Choose the right shades to protect your vision

learn more about the latest fashion in eyewear, and be

fitted for a pair of sunglasses by a professional. call the

eyestyles optical shop at the Beaumont eye Institute

for an appointment — 248-551-2020.

Dodging summertime danger: Packing a first-rate first aid kit

h o u s e c a l l [ P A G E 1 1 ] W W W . B e a u M o N T h o s P I T a l s . c o M

Whether it’s a trip to the beach, a ball game or a long weekend up north, those long, lazy days of summer can make for wonderful memories. Assuming you’re prepared, that is, especially for medical emergencies.

Warren8545 Common RoadNorth of 12 Mile, east of Van Dykelocated in the new Civic Center areaCall 800.328.8542 to schedule: • bone density testing • CT scans• digital mammography• ultrasounds Lab tests, X-rays and physical therapy are alsoavailable in the center.

West Bloomfield6900 Orchard Lake RoadJust south of Maple Road (15 Mile)Call 800.328.8542 to schedule: • bone density and bone scanning • digital mammography • MRI and CT scanning• nuclear medicine testing• stress tests • thyroid evaluations• ultrasounds• vascular testingThe following are also available in the center:outpatient surgery, cardiac rehabilitation, labtests, pharmacy, physical & occupational (hand)therapy and X-rays. And there is a Center forChildren’s Rehabilitation which offers physicaland occupational therapy, speech rehabilita-tion and social work.

Rochester Hills6700 N. Rochester RoadBetween Tienken and Orion roadsCall 800.328.8542 to schedule: • digital mammography• ultrasounds Dialysis, lab tests, pharmacy, physical therapyand X-rays are also available.

Roseville DiagnosticCenter25990 Kelly Road, Suite 3Corner of Kelly and Frazho roadsCall 800.328.8542 to schedule:• bone density testing• mammography• nuclear medicine testing• ultrasoundsWalk-in lab tests, electrocardiograms (EKG)and X-rays are also available.

St. Clair Shores25631 Little MackBetween 10 and 11 Mile roadsCall 800.328.8542 to schedule: • bone density testing• CT scans• digital mammography• ultrasounds • vascular testingLab tests, wound care and X-rays are also available.

BeaumontImaging/RehabUnaSource Building4600 Investment DriveBetween Wattles and Long LakeroadsCall 800.328.8542 to schedule:• CT scans• ultrasoundsLab tests and physical therapy are also available.

Lake Orion1455 S. Lapeer RoadSouth of Clarkston Road on the east sideCall 800.328.8542 to schedule:• bone density and bone scanning • cardiology testing• digital mammography • MRI and CT scans• nuclear medicine testing• stress tests• ultrasounds The following are also available in the center:lab tests, occupational and physical therapy, pharmacy, sleep center, X-rays and urgent care.

Macomb Township15979 Hall RoadNE Corner of Tilch Road and Hall Road (M-59)Call 800.328.8542 to schedule:• bone density and bone scanning• cardiology testing• digital mammography • MRI and CT scans• nuclear medicine testing• pulmonary function testing• stress tests• ultrasounds• vascular testingThe center also offers outpatient surgery, X-rays, lab tests, physical and occupationaltherapy, cardiac rehabilitation, urgent care,home medical equipment and supplies,wound care services, pain clinic, pharmacy and a sleep lab.

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Little Mack

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Time after time, you’ve ratedBeaumont as the place you’d preferto go for doctors, nurses, surgery,and for overall quality of care.

So we’re doing our best to makeBeaumont a lot more convenient.That’s why we’re adding moreBeaumont doctors to our staff andbuilding medical centers allaround our community so that youhave a access to the leading edgetechnology and screening thatmeans life-saving early detection.

Please take a few moments to finda center that’s close to you andmake that phone call you knowyou should. Isn’t it time you had a Beaumont doctor?

800.633.7377www.beaumonthospitals.com

Beaumont, Royal Oak

Beaumont, Troy

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Most services can be scheduled by calling Beaumont’s AppointmentCenter toll-free at 1.800.328.8542. Routine lab and general radiologyare handled on a walk-in basis.

Schedule the services listed below by calling:Anticoagulation Management Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248.655.5610Cardiac Rehabilitation

Beaumont Health Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248.655.5750Macomb Township . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 586.416.8490West Bloomfield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248.855.5256

Dialysis Rochester Hills, Sterling Heights and Troy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248.964.0100Hazel Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248.545.0550Royal Oak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248.551.1045

Hyperbaric Therapy at Beaumont Health Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248.655.3147Interventional Pain Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248.655.9600Physical and occupational therapy or speech and language pathology. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248.655.3191Sleep Evaluation Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 888.71.SLEEP (717.5337)Weight Control Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248.655.5900Wound Care

Macomb Township. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 586.416.6216St. Clair Shores . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 586.443.2929

A Beaumont doctor is only 5 minutes away.

Beaumont, Grosse Pointe3